Author and columnist Shobhaa De expressed concern over music maestro A.R. Rahman’s recent remarks hinting at a potential religious bias affecting his work opportunities in Bollywood. De, with a long history in the film industry, emphasized that Bollywood has traditionally been devoid of communal tensions, focusing on talent rather than religion. She questioned Rahman’s statement, given his success and maturity, suggesting that introducing religion into discussions about work opportunities is unnecessary and risky.
In a recent interview, Rahman mentioned facing challenges in the industry, hinting at a possible communal aspect influencing decisions, although not directly affecting him. He shared experiences of feeling like an outsider in Bollywood and discussed a perceived decline in work opportunities over the past eight years. De urged for a deeper understanding of Rahman’s perspective, considering his stature and experience in the industry.
De emphasized that talent has always been the primary factor in Bollywood, dismissing the notion of religious bias in opportunities. She highlighted the inclusive nature of the industry, where skills and creativity determine success rather than any communal considerations. De called Rahman’s comments “dangerous” and suggested that his reasons for making such statements should be probed further to comprehend his viewpoint.
